The Norfolk 17: A Legacy of Courage and Achievement
On February 2, 1959, seventeen young students walked through the doors of six all-white schools in Norfolk, Virginia, confronting an entrenched system of segregation. Known as the Norfolk 17, these students were not just children attending school; they were trailblazers in the civil rights movement. Their bravery reshaped public education, opening doors for future generations and proving that change is possible when people stand firm in the face of adversity.
A Fight for Education
The road to integration in Norfolk was not smooth. In response to the Brown v. Board of Education decision, Virginia leaders engaged in “Massive Resistance,” shutting down public schools rather than allowing Black students to enroll. Norfolk was among the cities affected, with six schools closing in 1958 instead of admitting Black students.
Honoring Their Names and Their Sacrifice
We recognize all 17 pioneers who helped change the course of history:
Louis Cousins, Olivia Driver, LaVera Forbes, Patricia Godbolt, Alveraze Frederick Gonsouland, Andrew Heidelberg, Delores Johnson, Edward Jordan, Lolita Portis, Betty Jean Reed, Johnnie Rouse, Geraldine Talley, James Turner Jr., Patricia Turner, Carol Wellington, Claudia Wellington, Reginald Young.
Their resilience and sacrifices remind us that the fight for justice and equality requires courage, perseverance, and a commitment to education.
Beyond the Classroom: The Legacy of the Norfolk 17
The courage of the Norfolk 17 not only desegregated the city’s schools but also paved the way for their own remarkable accomplishments:
- Andrew Heidelberg became the first Black varsity football player at an all-white public high school in Virginia and later broke barriers in banking.
- Dr. Delores Johnson Brown chronicled her experiences in Bullying Must Go: Says a Norfolk 17 Hero.
- Louis Cousins was the first Black student to graduate from Maury High School in Norfolk.
- Dr. Patricia Turner reflected on her journey in Today I Met a Rainbow.
While these individuals gained recognition for their achievements, each of the Norfolk 17 played a vital role in shaping the history of education and civil rights.
Explore Their Story
We encourage you to visit the Norfolk 17 Memorial at Flatiron Park and explore Old Dominion University’s online exhibit to learn more about their impact. Their story is a testament to the power of determination and a reminder that the fight for educational equity continues.
School Desegregation in Norfolk, Virginia , “The Norfolk 17 outside First Baptist Church on Bute Street in Norfolk, VA,” ODU Libraries Online Exhibitions, accessed February 2, 2025, https://exhibits.lib.odu.edu/items/show/496.
“Northside Teacher Excorts Pupil,” ODU Libraries Online Exhibitions, accessed February 2, 2025, https://exhibits.lib.odu.edu/items/show/455.
“Betty Jean Reid 'Enjoyed' Her First Day at Granby,” ODU Libraries Online Exhibitions, accessed February 2, 2025, https://exhibits.lib.odu.edu/items/show/447.
Clark, “Newspaper photo of Norview High School,” ODU Libraries Online Exhibitions, accessed February 2, 2025, https://exhibits.lib.odu.edu/items/show/449.
McClenny, “Louis Cousins Waits To Be Assigned to a Home Room at Maury,” ODU Libraries Online Exhibitions, accessed February 2, 2025, https://exhibits.lib.odu.edu/items/show/450.
Continuing the Legacy Today
The fight for educational equity did not end with the Norfolk 17—it is an ongoing mission. The Urban League of Hampton Roads is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to quality education, resources, and opportunities for success. Through scholarship programs, college and career readiness initiatives, and advocacy for equitable policies, we continue the work of those who fought for desegregation. Education remains a powerful tool for progress, and we are committed to empowering the next generation to learn, lead, and uplift their communities.
Let us honor the legacy of the Norfolk 17 not just by remembering their story, but by ensuring that every student today has the opportunity to reach their full potential.